Awake in the World Podcast

Michael explores the fear of uncertainty and its impact on personal growth. He emphasizes balancing self-awareness with social responsibility and advocates for self-compassion amidst fear. The discussion touches on how we often numb emotional pain and the importance of awareness in healing. The podcast delves into the journey of awakening through suffering and the significance of dedicated practice in shaping one's legacy. Embracing both personal and collective pain is essential for deeper connections and authentic growth.

Michael Stone delves into the Zen koan of the oak tree, intertwining meditation with the politics of love. He shares a poignant account of the Buddha's final moments, emphasizing themes of love and companionship amidst suffering. The discussion reflects on the emotional ties between personal narratives and nature, highlighting how connections to the land can foster healing. With insights from a monk's transformative journey and the importance of simplicity, this conversation offers a rich exploration of mindfulness and the essence of life.

In this insightful Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael delves into how the mind works, the benefits—and limitations—of meditation, and why it’s not always the right fit for everyone. He explores karma, the psychology of delayed gratification, and touches on topics like borderline personality. You’ll also learn the difference between meditative practices that help uncover repression versus those that build a resilient, integrated self. Recorded live at the Enso Foundation in Kelowna. Approx. 1 hour. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Michael begins with talking about finding simplicity in meditation practice; stepping back from the details of thinking to notice the subjective experience of awareness; and then he launches into a discussion about grieving and loss and how we can never get satisfaction when we make war on ourselves or others. He ends by talking about how loss is part of our experience of being a self and how when we reduce ourselves we rescue others. Recorded at Kushala, Port Moody, British Columbia. 1 hour. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Dive into the complexities of self-discovery and emotional resilience, as insights from Carl Jung inspire mindfulness amid life's imperfections. Explore the balance between awareness and reaction, especially in managing emotions like anger. Reflect on personal experiences of love and acceptance, illustrated through a bar mitzvah story. The importance of community support for mindfulness programs shines through, emphasizing the collective journey toward understanding and well-being.

In this Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael Stone and Grant Hutchinson teach the ways yogic breathing returns the nervous system to "factory settings." Topics include ujjayii pranayama, the palette, the spine and viola pranayama. Pranayama is a practice of settling your attention on your breath. As attention becomes balanced, so too does the nervous system. Recorded on February 6, 2012. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Michael Stone emphasizes the art of relaxation as a pathway to enthusiasm and mindfulness. He discusses the significance of deep concentration and breathing techniques in fostering mental clarity. The insights into the legacy of Lead Belly highlight introspection in music as a form of self-reflection. The dialogue also navigates the balance of energy and relaxation, offering strategies to overcome laziness and cultivate a dedicated spiritual practice amidst life’s distractions.

In this Best of Awake in the World episode, we join Michael and Sanga on retreat at the Christine Center in Wisconsin. Michael shares a Zen story in which a teacher describes his teaching as “Just This Is It,” sparking a conversation about guilt, remorse, devotion, and the challenge of truly seeing oneself. Together, they explore what it means to find your true path. (Duration: 50 min) Recorded 2016 The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

In this Best of Awake in the World episode Michael begins teaching on the Two Darts and explains how physical and emotional pain are connected and how when we feel physical pain (first dart) it’s followed by a mental response (second dart). Then Michael teaches a guided meditation that people can do alone or as caregivers for people in pain. Workshop in Green Bay, Wisconsin. May 20, 2014. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Today’s Best of episode follows along with a talk from Michael recorded on the first day of a retreat back in February 2016 at Chapin Mill, New York. In this 50-minute session, Michael explores the practice of walking meditation and bowing, offering valuable tips on how to go deeper into your retreat experience. He shares insights on approaching anxiety with mindfulness and how you might uncover unexpected revelations when you explore your thoughts in practice—especially when the space for awareness begins to open up. The talk concludes with a beautiful description of Samadhi, and how concentration can serve as a protective force on our path. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.